Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) or salpingitis are general terms for the inflammation of the pelvic organs, and is given different names according to the location of inflammation, such as endometritis (endometrium), oophoritis (ovaries), and peritonitis (peritoneum). The primary cause of PID is bacterial infiltration from the vagina, more common after childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, IUD insertion, and D&C. The most common pathogenic factors include Chylamydia and Trichomonas, but Neisseria gonorrhoeae (i.e. gonorrhea) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (mycoplasma) can also promote PID. The signs and symptoms of PID include a dull ache or acute pain in the lumbar region, pain after intercourse, cramping, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, dysuria, pain upon defecation, inguinal lymphadenopathy, nausea and vomiting, metrorrhagia and/or menorrhagia, and pain upon ovulation (mittleschmerz). Not all of these symptoms may be present and what symptoms there are may come and go over a period of years in a cycle of exacerbation and remission. Abscesses may develop in the fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvis during the inflammatory stage. (Trickey 1998; Berkow 1992, 1789-90; Rubin 2001, 524)

The treatment of PID is essentially the same as it is for vaginitis and leucorrhea, but with the use of powerful alteratives, immunostimulants, uterine tonics, antispasmodics, and anodynes, as well as topical therapies. Particularly indicated are a class of botanicals called pelvic decongestants that relieve portal congestion and the symptoms of pelvic heaviness, including Stone root (Collinsonia canadensis), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and White Dead Nettle (Lamium album). Among the more useful alteratives in PID is Blood root (Sanguinarea canadensis), but other such as Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), and Nettle (Urtica dioica) may prove to be useful. Examples of uterine tonics are Dang gui (Angelica sinensis), Raspberry leaf (Rubus spp.), False Unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), True Unicorn root (Aletris farinosa), and useful antispasmodics include Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), and Kava (Piper methysticum). For the severe pain of exacerbation powerful anodynes such as Pasqueflower (Anenome occidentalis) and Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) are indicated in small doses. The treatment of adhesions is covered under endometriosis. Useful supplements include vitamin C (to bowel tolerance), zinc citrate (50 mg daily), acidophilus, and omega 3 fats (EPA/DHA, 2-3 g daily). The diet should be rich in green vegetables, fresh vegetable juices, fermented and sprouted legumes, but during exacerbation care should be taken to reduce iron-containing foods such as beef and eggs in order to inhibit bacterial growth.